Cold Edge (late posting)

Hunter Hill watchpoint
Friday 7 October 2011
Counting period: 7:30 - 9:45
Weather: wind NW4, cloud-cover 6/8, Cloud to the west and brighter to the east with some breaks in the cloud. S or S/W unless stated.
Grey Heron 1
Skylark 7
Siskin 11
Pink-footed Goose 3
Meadow Pipit 351
Lesser Redpoll 4
Hen Harrier 1
alba wagtail sp. 5
Crossbill 18 and 7 north
Merlin 1
Chaffinch 9
Reed Bunting 2 north
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 1 north
Greenfinch 5
Woodpigeon 48
Goldfinch 2

Totals: 477 individuals, 16 species, 2:15 hours

Present: Goosander 3, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 3, Grey Partridge 12, Woodpigeon 80, Green Woodpecker 1, Jay 4, Magpie 2, Jackdaw 35, Carrion Crow 20, Starling 6

Comments: A Merlin through north at 07.40 wa a nice one to start with. A steady flow of Meadow Pipits throughout with birds coming SW at all elevations. 2 Siskin flocks heard but not seen. 3 Pink feet through SW at 09.20 with another skien at 09.15 heard but not seen probably in the valley over the hill. Crossbills, with 18 south and 7 north were a treat. I had to get home for 10am but as I got back to the car I got a call from Howard at Oxenhope via Brian at Queensbury to say a Ring-tail Hen Harrier had just passed through their watchpoint and it was on its way in my direction. I did not hold out too much hope as it could take a number of directions but I was elated when it came through a few minutes later (09.40)over the fields with Carrion Crows in attendance, then it flew over Hunter Hill quarry and down towards the Calder Valley. Without the call I would have missed it so many thanks to the Oxenhope and Queensbury faithful.